Chapter 2: New Century (Epilogue) – Chapter 348: Treating Soldiers
The Water of Life inherently possesses a very fresh aroma. Just a whiff is enough to invigorate the spirit. At this moment, the soldiers at the front lines caught the scent, their expressions becoming entranced. However, they were unaware that the King of Winter was actually concocting the Life Spring. Who would use the precious Life Spring to treat lowly soldiers like them? It was something they could hardly imagine.
“All squad leaders, come to the front.” Xi Wei called out, then commanded the knight beside him, “Go fetch a wooden barrel, the kind from the kitchen, the larger the better. Also, find some soldiers to fetch fresh water, quickly.”
The knight took the order and soon returned with a barrel as large as a round table. Simultaneously, clean, fresh water was brought by the soldiers. By this time, stretchers carrying wounded soldiers had been lined up in several rows near Xi Wei. They stretched as far as the eye could see, densely packed. No less than ten thousand men were injured.
Xi Wei said, “Add the fresh water to the barrel.”
As the command was given, the surrounding soldiers, though unsure of the purpose, complied. Soon, the round table-sized barrel was filled with fresh water. Xi Wei then used a kettle to scoop the Life Spring from the tree canopy and poured it into the large barrel. A rainbow, several feet high, materialized mid-air above the barrel. He then personally stirred the water with a wooden shovel. The Water of Life mixed completely with the ordinary fresh water. Although the aroma had weakened, it diffused throughout, filling half of the training ground.
Soldiers at the front lines craned their necks, wondering what could be producing such an intoxicating fragrance. They thought the King of Winter was making perfume. This scent was entirely different from incense or perfume. It was the aroma of nature – the fragrance of grass, the sweetness of fruit, and the freshness of wild flowers. It was hard to describe precisely, but it always made one feel refreshed, conjuring images of verdant forests and boundless grasslands.
“Your Majesty, what are you…?” The two knights guarding the barrel could no longer contain themselves. They did not possess the same composure as the soldiers of Winter City. The overwhelming scent filled their mouths, making them feel as if they had just eaten heartily. Their already full stomachs rumbled, as if they could still devour several more bowls of rice.
“This is diluted Life Spring. Take it to the wounded soldiers to drink. Start with the most severely injured, and be quick. Continue to order the kitchen to boil water with all haste.” Xi Wei did not keep them in suspense. He handed the ladle to the knight beside him, appearing nonchalant, as if the contents of the barrel were merely ordinary fresh water.
“Life Spring!?” The knight on the left, holding the ladle blankly, was frozen like an ice sculpture, as if struck by Withered Dragon Breath. The knight on the right was not faring any better. Clutching the edge of his armor, he stammered, “Your Majesty, is… is this real? Is this truly the Elves’ Life Spring?” Fearing he hadn’t described it accurately, he added uncertainly, “The kind that can’t be bought even for a thousand gold coins a bottle?”
“Of course.” Xi Wei offered a compassionate smile. He elegantly spread his hands and teased, “However, a thousand gold coins a bottle was the price ten years ago. Now that the Life Spring is increasingly scarce, it would take at least four to five thousand gold coins to purchase a bottle.” Seeing the King of Winter’s firm affirmation, the two knights had to believe him. They reached into the barrel and scooped out a ladleful of Life Spring, exuding a fragrant aroma. Even though it was diluted, they still felt as if they were holding a spoonful of gold.
“Your Majesty, such a precious thing…” The knight on the left’s eyes reddened. He, of humble origins, had managed to gather enough gold coins to study at the Knight Academy and become a knight. However, his status was only slightly higher than that of ordinary soldiers. While he possessed noble status, true nobles never truly considered them. True nobles were those with inherited lineage, their blood flowing with the family name. He, who had risen through his own efforts and military achievements, was merely a rough warrior. He had never considered himself a knight, only an ordinary soldier. Therefore, he could empathize deeply with the soldiers under his command and was genuinely enraged by Rosred’s actions. At this moment, he was also deeply moved by the King of Winter’s care and generosity.
“Something is precious precisely because it can fulfill its value. If it’s kept idle, it’s no different from garbage or waste,” Xi Wei said, shaking his head with his hands behind his back. “Enough talk, the soldiers are waiting to be treated.”
Not only the two knights, but in order to speed up the treatment of soldiers, Xi Wei had arranged for an entire cavalry squadron to circle the training ground, supplying the wounded soldiers with Water of Life. Generally, after the first round of Water of Life was administered, soldiers with minor injuries would recover immediately. Those with severe injuries would regain the ability to walk, and their vital signs would stabilize. Then, a second round of treatment would commence. For those who had lost limbs, there was also a solution. Wiping the Water of Life on the severed limb would enable limb regrowth. An hour later, there were no more wounded soldiers on the entire training ground. They stood tall and proud, saluting the King of Winter with eyes full of reverence and fervor. Xi Wei now knew that conquering the countries of Medon and Karari would essentially be stable. Moreover, he wouldn’t have to worry about problems at the grassroots level. On the surface, he had given away the very precious Life Spring. But in reality, the Life Spring was inexhaustible.
…
Night embraces sorrow, unraveling its braid. Darkness is not meant to conceal joy, but to liberate grief. A funeral was being held within Emerald Fortress. Xi Wei stood on the city wall, gazing like a sculpture at the darkening battlefield, his expression solemn and sorrowful. Below the city wall, soldiers were transporting corpses. These bodies had to be cremated quickly, otherwise, they might transform into undead. Even though winter was approaching. Roon voluntarily joined the team cleaning up the bodies. Besides him were Players like Nobody Does Human Things, as well as some soldiers who had been on the brink of death moments before. The Water of Life had completely healed them. But the dead could not be resurrected by the Water of Life. They all felt that they had taken the fortune of their comrades who had survived. They were alive because of these fallen soldiers, and they ought to see their fallen comrades and collect their bodies. As they re-entered the battlefield and approached the tattered gate of Emerald Fortress, tears blurred their vision.
